J.R. fully expects LeBron to play in season opener vs. Kyrie

LeBron James is operating on a wonky ankle and is unsure if he'll suit up for the season opener against former teammate Kyrie Irving and his new-look Boston Celtics.

J.R. Smith, for one, isn't worried. He expects The King to be in the Cleveland Cavaliers' lineup for Irving's much-anticipated homecoming simply because James is too competitive to sit out.

"Oh, he's going to go," Smith told ESPN's Dave McMenamin of James. "He's going to go, trust me on that. I don't care what he's got to do, he's going to play."

Smith went on to explain his reasoning: "Just because he loves the game. We were talking about it. He's never missed, since he was 8 years old and he started playing, he's never missed a first game. I'm preparing for him to play."

James missed all but one preseason game after spraining his ankle in practice. He logged 30 minutes last Tuesday against the Chicago Bulls and looked rusty as he tallied eight turnovers.

Nevertheless, even with a bum ankle, James will have no shortage of motivation to help his Cavaliers emerge triumphant when the regular season tips off Tuesday. After all, if the Celtics storm into Quicken Loans Arena with Irving and secure the win, the headlines will write themselves.